Rafael Leao at risk of missing World Cup start
FIFA may impose further sanctions on Portugal's winger following a red card incident in a friendly match against Chile.
Portugal winger Rafael Leao is at risk of suspension for the 2026 World Cup following his dismissal during a friendly match against Chile. The AC Milan player was shown a red card late in the first half for aggressive behavior during an altercation with Chilean defender Ivan Roman, who was also sent off.
FIFA disciplinary bodies are reportedly considering extending the punishment beyond friendly matches to include official international fixtures. Should the disciplinary committee opt for a stricter ruling, Leao could be sidelined for the opening match of the tournament against DR Congo on June 17.
The current situation remains unresolved. If the suspension is limited to a single match, the winger would only miss Portugal's upcoming friendly against Nigeria on June 10. A final decision on the length of the ban is expected following a review of the incident by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.